Handbag with secret compartments

ABSTRACT

A handbag has a secret compartment such that when the handbag is opened, the secret compartment is hidden from view. More specific embodiments include a secret compartment that is a detachable pouch. The detachable pouch may be configured as a tri-fold or bi-fold wallet. Other embodiments include a handbag having a visible portion configured to fold over the secret compartment and detachably attach to the secret compartment so that the secret compartment is hidden from view.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to handbags, and moreparticularly, to a handbag with secret compartments.

BACKGROUND

Women generally carry handbags containing various articles, such asdriver's license, credit cards, cash, medications, and feminine hygieneproducts (e.g., tampons and pads). Some articles in the handbags may beintended to be kept away from plain view when the handbag is opened. Atother times, these same articles may be intended to be taken out of thehandbag quickly and discreetly. For example, some women may want to keepfeminine hygiene products out of plain view during shopping. However,they may want to remove one or more feminine hygiene products in arestroom stall quickly and discreetly, without having to search throughthe contents of their handbags, or causing other articles in the handbagto spill out. Currently available handbags contain built-in pockets forcarrying articles. However, these pockets may be generally small andinconveniently located. To get around this problem, additional pursesmay be used within the handbag to carry items such as feminine hygieneproducts. However, these additional purses tend to be conspicuous,bulky, and/or inconvenient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is best understood from the following detaileddescription when read with the accompanying figures. The variousfeatures are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the variousfeatures may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity ofdiscussion. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a simplified exploded view of a handbag according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a simplified diagram of another view of the handbag;

FIG. 1C is a simplified diagram of yet another view of the handbag;

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of additional details of the handbagaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram of additional details of the handbagaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a simplified diagram of a handbag according to an embodimentof the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4B is a simplified diagram of another view of the handbag accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS Overview

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a handbaghas a secret compartment such that when the handbag is opened, thesecret compartment is hidden from view. More specific embodimentsinclude a secret compartment that is a detachable pouch. The detachablepouch may be configured as a tri-fold or bi-fold wallet. Otherembodiments include a handbag having a visible portion configured tofold over the secret compartment and detachably attach to the secretcompartment so that the secret compartment is hidden from view.

The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, which areincorporated into this section by reference. A more completeunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure will be affordedto those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additionaladvantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detaileddescription of one or more embodiments.

Example Embodiments

It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes severalexemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures,or functions of the disclosure. Exemplary embodiments of components,arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify thepresent disclosure. However, these exemplary embodiments are providedmerely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of thedisclosure.

The present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters inthe various exemplary embodiments and across the Figures providedherein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity anddoes not in itself dictate a relationship between the various exemplaryembodiments and/or configurations discussed in the various Figures.

Turning to FIGS. 1A-1C, FIG. 1A is a simplified diagram showing aperspective, exploded view of a handbag 10 according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. As used herein, “handbag” encompasses all kindsof bags that may be carried by hand, shoulder or wrist, includingshoulder bag, sling bag, messenger bag, tote bag, weekend bag, wristlet,satchel, saddle bag, muff bag, minaudiere, hobo bag, fold over clutch,clutch bag, envelope bag, duffel bag, doctor's bag, bucket bag, bowlingbag, baguette bag, backpack, athletic bag, etc. A handbag 10 may includea detachable pouch 12. Detachable pouch 12 may comprise an outer cover14 having a pattern 16. As used herein, a “pattern” encompasses adecorative design composed of a number of elements (e.g., motifs),arranged in a regular or irregular manner. A pattern may include anydesign and style, including polka dot, floral, geometric, fractal,animal print, abstract, arabesque, argyle, art deco, art nouveau, awningstripe, basket-weave, batik, bayadere stripe, bead and reel, bengalstripe, bird's eye, blotch, boteh, paisley, brocatelle, bull's eye,calico, camouflage, cartouche, celtic knot, etc.

Detachable pouch 12 may include at least two pockets therein. A “pocket”encompasses a bag or envelope like receptacle to hold articles. In anexample embodiment, a pocket may include elastic bands configured tohold articles. Pockets may be attached inside pouch 12 using any knownmeans, e.g., stitching, gluing, etc. Pockets may be configured with anykind of appropriate opening, such as zippered opening, slit, velcro,button, snaps, etc. Detachable pouch 12 may be placed inside handbag 10on a bottom portion 18 of handbag 10. Detachable pouch 12 may beflexible or inflexible, and may comprise any design, style, and shape,including tri-fold wallet, bi-fold wallet, etc. In an exampleembodiment, detachable pouch 12 may be configured to be compact enoughto fit into handbag 10, while sufficiently large enough to hold articles(e.g., feminine hygiene products, medications, etc.).

In an example embodiment, in addition to bottom portion 18, handbag 10may comprise an optional top portion 20, front portion 22, rear portion24 and optional side portions 26 and 28. In an example embodimentaccording to FIG. 1A, top portion 20 may be configured as a flapoverlapping front portion 22. In another example embodiment, top portion20 may be absent (e.g., as in a tote bag, a hobo bag, etc.). Top portion20 may optionally detachably attach to front portion 22 with one or moreclosures such as magnetic snaps, buckles, buttons, etc. As used herein,a “closure” includes any attachment device capable of detachably matingwith a corresponding attachment device, including magnetic snaps,buttons, velcro, buckle, snap closure, snap hooks, bolt snaps, hook andloop, etc. One or more of the closures (e.g., magnetic snaps) may bedisposed underneath a lining such that they are not visible, yet canperform their intended functions. In another example embodiment, sideportions 26 and 28 may be absent (e.g., as in a thin purse).

Handbag 10 may be configured with a detachable strap 30. In an exampleembodiment, detachable strap 30 may be a single strap extending betweenside portions 26 and 28. In another example embodiment, detachable strap30 may be a double strap extending between side portions 26 and 28. Inyet another example embodiment, detachable strap 30 may be a doublestrap attached to front portion 22 and rear portion 24 (e.g., as in atote bag). In yet another example embodiment, detachable strap 30 mayextend between front portion 22 and rear portion 24. Variousconfigurations of detachable strap 30 are contemplated within the broadscope of the present disclosure. In an example embodiment, front portion22 may include one or more pockets for storing articles.

FIG. 1B is a simplified diagram showing handbag 10 splayed open todisplay its inside. In operation and use, handbag 10 may not be splayedopen easily, as appropriate sides of handbag 10 would be stitchedtogether or otherwise attached. The configuration shown in FIG. 1B ismerely for illustrative purposes and ease of description. Top portion 20may optionally include a closure 34 a that may detachably mate with acorresponding closure 34 b (not shown) on an outer side of front portion22. Front portion 22 may include one or more pockets, for example, apocket 36 with a zippered opening. Rear portion 24 may include a pocket37 having a transparent cover to facilitate viewing the contentsthereof. For example, a driver's license or other identification cardmay be inserted into pocket 37. One or more slots 38 may be provided inrear portion 24 to facilitate inserting various articles such as creditcards, medical insurance cards, cash, etc.

Handbag 10 may include an inner lining 39 having a pattern 40. Innerlining 39 of handbag 10 and outer cover 14 of detachable pouch 12 may bemade of same or substantially similar materials, including cotton,satin, silk, leather, suede, polyester, polyester blends, etc. Forexample, if inner lining 30 is made of cotton, outer cover 14 may alsobe made of cotton. Pattern 40 of handbag 10 may be same or substantiallysimilar to pattern 16 of detachable pouch 12 such that pattern 40 andpattern 16 are visually indistinguishable. When detachable pouch 12 islaid on bottom portion 18 of handbag 10, detachable pouch 12 may beinconspicuous, as pattern 16 and pattern 40 are visuallyindistinguishable. When handbag 10 is opened, for example, to view oraccess any contents therein, detachable pouch 12 may be hidden from view(e.g., not easily discernible to an ordinary observer). Detachable pouch12 may be used as a secret compartment within handbag 10, providinghidden storage for articles. In an example embodiment, detachable pouch12 may be detachably attached to bottom portion 18, for example, usingappropriate closures.

FIG. 1C is a simplified diagram showing an outer side of handbag 10splayed open as in FIG. 1B. In operation and use, handbag 10 may not besplayed open easily, as appropriate sides of handbag 10 may be stitchedtogether or otherwise attached. The configuration shown in FIG. 1C ismerely for illustrative purposes and ease of description. Rear portion24 may include one or more pockets 42. In an example embodiment, pocket42 may have an oval slit opening. Front portion 22 may include anoptional closure 34 b that may detachably mate with closure 34 a (notshown) on an inner side of top portion 20. In an example embodiment,closure 34 a and 34 b may be mated, to prevent any contents in handbag10 from spilling out.

Detachable pouch 12 may contain one or more pockets to organize andstore articles, including feminine hygiene products, medications,cosmetics, condoms, etc. A user of handbag 10 may place articles insidedetachable pouch 12. During regular use, for example, shopping,detachable pouch 12 may be inconspicuous on bottom portion 18 of handbag10. However, the user may easily access detachable pouch 12 and removeit from handbag 10, for example, to access the articles therein, or whenit is not desired to carry it in handbag 10. In an example scenario, auser may organize and store tampons, pantiliners, medications and otherarticles in appropriate pockets in detachable pouch 12. The user mayinsert detachable pouch 12 into handbag 10 during her menstrual periodso that the stored articles may be easily and discreetly accessed whendesired. When the stored articles in detachable pouch 12 need not beaccessed any more, for example, after her menstrual period, the user mayremove detachable pouch 12 from handbag 10.

Handbag 10 and detachable pouch 12 may be configured in various designs,shapes and styles. The example shapes, designs, and patterns shown inFIG. 1 are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to belimitations. Innumerable variations in designs, shapes, and styles arepossible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Turning to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a detachable pouch12 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detachablepouch 12 is shown spread out open in FIG. 2 and may be configured as atri-fold wallet. A side facing the viewer may be described as a frontside, and a side hidden from view may be described as a rear side.Detachable pouch 12 may comprise a first portion 44, a second portion 46and a third portion 48. First portion 44 may include a closure 50.Closure 50 may detachably mate with a corresponding closure (not shown)on a rear side of third portion 48. Second portion 46 may include aclosure 52 a that may detachably mate with a corresponding closure 52 bin third portion 48. In example embodiments, closure 50, 52 a and 52 bmay be magnetic closures disposed underneath a lining of detachablepouch 12, such that they are not visible, yet can perform their intendedfunctions. Third portion 48 may be folded into second portion 44, forexample, with closures 52 a and 52 b mating, and first portion 44 may befolded over third portion 48 such that closure 50 mates with thecorresponding closure on the rear side of third portion 48.

First portion 44 may include one or more pockets 54 configured toreceive articles. In an example embodiment, pockets 54 may be configuredto receive long and thin articles such as tampons, or lipsticks. Pockets54 may have slit openings, or any other kind of openings permittingarticles to be inserted into pockets 54. In an example embodiment,pocket 54 may comprise one or more elastic bands that can hold long andthin articles. Any number of pockets may be provided without changingthe scope of the present disclosure. One or more pockets 56 may beprovided in second portion 46 for receiving articles. In an exampleembodiment, pockets 56 may be configured to receive rectangular orsquare packets such as packaged panty-liners, sanitary pads, condoms,etc. Pockets 56 may have zippered openings, or any other kind ofopenings (e.g., slits, velcro, etc) permitting articles to be insertedinto pockets 56. One or more pockets 58 may be provided in third portion48 to hold articles. In an example embodiment, pockets 58 may beconfigured to receive bulky articles such as medication, cosmetics, etc.Pockets 58 may have zippered openings, or any other kind of openings(e.g., slits, velcro, etc.) permitting articles to be inserted intopockets 56. Detachable pouch 12 may be configured to be inserted intohandbag 10 such that detachable pouch 12 is hidden from view. Thetri-fold configuration of detachable pouch 12 shown in FIG. 2 is forillustrative purposes. Innumerable variations in the tri-foldconfiguration are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

A user may organize and store various articles such as tampons, sanitarypads, medications, condoms, etc. in the one or more pockets in firstportion 44, second portion 46 and third portion 48 of detachable pouch12. The articles may be conveniently accessed as needed after removingdetachable pouch 12 from handbag 10.

Turning to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram of a detachable pouch12 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detachablepouch 12 is shown spread out open in FIG. 3 and may be configured as abi-fold wallet. Detachable pouch 12 may be divided into a first portion60 and a second portion 62. First portion 60 may include a closure 64 athat may detachably mate with a corresponding closure 64 b on secondportion 62. Second portion 62 may be folded into first portion 60, withclosures 64 a and 64 b mating. In example embodiments, closure 64 a and64 b may be magnetic closures disposed underneath a lining of detachablepouch 12, such that they are not visible, yet can perform their intendedfunctions. First portion 60 may include one or more pockets 66. In anexample embodiment, pockets 66 may comprise three pockets with slitopenings, configured to receive long/thin articles, such as tampons, orlipsticks. Any number of pockets may be provided without changing thescope of the present disclosure. One or more pockets 68 may be providedin second portion 62. In an example embodiment, pocket 62 may have azippered opening and may be configured to receive articles such aspanty-liners, sanitary pads, condoms, medications, etc. Any kind ofopening (e.g., slit, velcro, zippered, etc.) may be provided on pockets68 within the broad scope of the present disclosure. Detachable pouch 12may be configured to be inserted into handbag 10 such that detachablepouch 12 is hidden from view. The bi-fold configuration of detachablepouch 12 shown in FIG. 3 is for illustrative purposes only. Innumerablevariations in the bi-fold configuration are included in the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Turning to FIGS. 4A and 4B, FIG. 4A is a simplified diagram of a frontview of a handbag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.Handbag 10 is shown spread out open in FIG. 4A. Handbag 10 may comprisea first portion 70, a second portion 72 and a third portion 74. Firstportion 70 may include a pocket 76. In an example embodiment, pocket 76may have a transparent cover, for example, to facilitate viewing anycontents thereof. For example, a driver's license or otheridentification card may be inserted into pocket 76. One or more slots 78may be provided in first portion 70 to facilitate inserting variousarticles such as credit cards, medical insurance cards, cash, etc. Aclosure 80 a may be provided in first portion 70 and configured todetachably mate with a corresponding closure 80 b (not shown) on a rearside of third portion 74.

Second portion 72 may include a closure 82 a that may detachably matewith a corresponding closure 82 b in third portion 74. Second portion 72may include one or more pockets 84, which may be used to store articlessuch as tampons or lipsticks. Pockets 84 may be designed as visiblepockets, stitched to an external surface of second portion 72. Pockets84 may also be configured to be hidden inside second portion 72. Secondportion 72 may also include one or more pockets 86 for storing articlessuch as panty-liners, condoms, sanitary pads, medications, etc. In anexample embodiment, pocket 86 may have a zippered opening. Any otherkind of closeable opening (e.g., velcro, snaps, buttons, etc.) may alsobe provided within the scope of the present disclosure. A detachablestrap 90 may be attached to second portion 72. In an example embodiment,detachable strap 90 may be a thick strap attached proximate firstportion 70. Third portion 74 may include one or more pockets 88 forstoring articles. In an example embodiment, pocket 88 may have azippered opening. Any other kind of closeable opening (e.g., velcro,snaps, buttons, etc.) may also be provided within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates a simplified diagram of a rear view of handbag 10. Arear side of second portion 72 may include one or more pockets 92. In anexample embodiment pocket 92 has a slit opening. Other designs andconfigurations of pocket 72 are within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Third portion 74 may include a closure 80 b that candetachably mate with closure 80 a (not shown) on a front side of firstportion 70.

During use, third portion 74 may be folded over second portion 72, andclosure 82 a of second portion 72 may be mated with closure 82 b ofthird portion 74. When closures 82 a and 82 b are mated, third portion74 may be visible, and may hide a front side of second portion 72 fromview. Handbag 10 may appear to have only a first portion 70 and a thirdportion 74, when viewed from the front. Third portion 74 may be avisible portion, and second portion 72 may be a secret compartment ofhandbag 10. Further, closure 80 a of first portion 70 may be mated withclosure 80 b on third portion 74. When closure 80 a is detached fromclosure 80 b, first portion 70 may be turned open, and credit cards andother articles stored in various pockets in first portion 50 may beaccessed without displaying any contents of second portion 72.

A user may organize and store various articles such as tampons, sanitarypads, medications, condoms, etc. in the one or more pockets in secondportion 72 of handbag 10. The articles may be conveniently accessed asneeded after detaching closures 82 a and 82 b to expose the front sideof second portion 72. The example shapes, styles, and designs shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B are merely for illustrative purposes, and are notintended to be limitations. Innumerable variations in designs, shapes,and styles are possible without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

While the disclosure references several particular embodiments, thoseskilled in the art will be able to make various modifications to thedescribed embodiments without departing from the true spirit and scopeof the disclosure. It is intended that all elements or steps which areinsubstantially different from those recited in the claims but performsubstantially the same functions, respectively, in substantially thesame way to achieve the same result as what is claimed are within thescope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handbag comprising: a secret compartmentincluding at least two pockets, such that when the handbag is opened,the secret compartment is hidden from view.
 2. The handbag of claim 1,wherein the secret compartment is a detachable pouch.
 3. The handbag ofclaim 2, wherein the detachable pouch comprises an outer cover having apattern, and the handbag further comprises an inner lining having thepattern.
 4. The handbag of claim 3, wherein the outer cover is made of amaterial, and the inner lining is made of the material.
 5. The handbagof claim 2, wherein the detachable pouch is configured as a foldabletri-fold wallet comprising a first portion configured to fold over asecond portion and a third portion, wherein the third portion isconfigured to fold over the second portion.
 6. The handbag of claim 5,wherein the detachable pouch includes at least one pocket in each of thefirst portion, the second portion and the third portion.
 7. The handbagof claim 6, wherein the at least one pocket in first portion isconfigured to receive long or thin articles, the at least one pocket inthe second portion is configured to receive rectangular articles, andthe at least one pocket in the third portion is configured to receivebulky articles.
 8. The handbag of claim 2, wherein the detachable pouchis configured as a foldable bi-fold wallet comprising a first portionconfigured to fold over a second portion.
 9. The handbag of claim 8,wherein the detachable pouch includes at least one pocket in each of thefirst portion and the second portion.
 10. The handbag of claim 8,wherein the at least one pocket in first portion is configured toreceive long or thin articles, the at least one pocket in the secondportion is configured to receive rectangular articles and bulkyarticles.
 11. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the handbag furthercomprises: a pocket having a transparent cover; and one or more slotsconfigured to hold cards and cash.
 12. The handbag of claim 1, whereinthe handbag further comprises: a visible portion configured to fold overthe secret compartment, and detachably attach to the secret compartmentsuch that the secret compartment is hidden from view.
 13. The handbag ofclaim 12, wherein the secret compartment comprises at least one pocketconfigured to receive long and thin articles, and another pocketconfigured to receive rectangular articles and bulky articles.